'Thanks' - Nick Woltemade issues statement after Newcastle United's win v West Ham
Nick Woltemade has made 50 appearances for Newcastle United in his debut season.
Nick Woltemade was back among the goals for Newcastle United in their 3-1 victory over West Ham United.
The 6ft 6in German opened the scoring inside the opening quarter of an hour on what was his 50th appearance for Newcastle.
The goal marked Woltemade’s first goal at St James’ Park since December, and his first overall since February.
Eddie Howe praises Nick Woltemade
Woltemade was recruited as a striker when he joined from Stuttgart last summer for a club-record £64million but in the last few months has been deployed as a midfielder.
The 24-year-old had mostly been playing on the left side of the midfield three but in the last two games against Nottingham Forest and West Ham has played closer to a ‘No.10’ role.
Woltemade has often looked like a player struggling for form or confidence, but Howe hopes his goal against the Hammers will do him the world of good.
Howe said: “I think he needed it. I thought he played very well today. I was really pleased with him. We certainly got him a lot of ball in those areas that we need to feed him.
“He's very creative. He's a very, very skilful player, but he needs to contribute goals, so that was a really nice finish for him. Really pleased, and hopefully he can continue that in the last game.”
Nick Woltemade delivers Newcastle United message
Taking to social media after the game, Woltemade wrote: “thanks for the amazing atmosphere today, Geordies. 50 games in black and white.”
And it is hoped there will be many more appearances with the German likely to stay on Tyneside, despite a challenging debut season.